What is a Poem? by Micki Findlay

 

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WHAT IS A POEM

 

 

it stalks me

hounds me

haunts me

wails like a hurricane squall

what is it thirsting to tell me

what is a poem after all

 

 

is it winter’s hush that cushions the earth in alabaster skin

or the timid wink of crystalline flakes as they’re swallowed by the sun

 

 

is it the rush of autumn’s tryst as it woos you with crimson and gold

or the crinkle-crunch of russet leaves as you collapse in a weightless knoll

 

 

is it the thrill of a young lover’s kiss as two lips dissolve into one

or the warm embrace of a cherished friend; a reminder you are loved

 

 

is it the surge of an ocean swell as you inhale its saline sighs

or the blushing gaze of scarlet veneer, staining a blood-orange sky

 

 

is it a flick of the tongue as molten chocolate drizzles down the chin

or a burst of dark roast sunrise as it murmurs smooth seduction

 

 

perhaps a poem is this

 

 

the silence of bullets and bloodshed when the threat of war is over

or a coiled fist unfolding to grasp the hand of a former rival

 

 

when justice and equality are everyday conditions

when power-hungry moguls don’t crush the hands that feed them

 

 

the moment love and trust replace the scourge of fear’s suspicion

when we finally see each other without discrimination

 

 

when toxic pride is tossed aside like worthless, thread-bare cloth

so the garment of forgiveness can wrap the heart in warmth

  

 

that burst of understanding when you recognize your worth

and learn to treat your inner child the way that child deserves

 

 

the day we finally wriggle free from crippling expectations

throwing off the anvil of guilt, self-doubt, rejection

 

 

or maybe a poem is simply this

 

 

to listen without judgment, with an open heart and mind

relinquishing self-interest so another soul can shine

 

 

for me, a poem is alchemy – our thoughts becoming skin

arms to hug a hurting world

restoring hope again

 

© Micki Findlay

Vancouver Island author, Micki Findlay, has been published in various anthologies, poetry books and magazines. She believes that by sharing her personal story through poetry and prose, others might find encouragement, recognize their self-worth, and realize they are not alone in their struggles.

Website: www.mickifindlaywrites.com  

FB: @mickifindlaywrites  

IG: @mickifindlay

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